Our History Matters: Black History Month

In Falls Church City, we are committed to honoring and celebrating diverse cultures that make us unique and remarkable.  As we continue our journey towards equity, social justice, and anti-racism as a school division, we understand that history matters.  In support of Black History Month, we want to commemorate African Americans’ extraordinary contributions while also acknowledging current members of our school community by declaring “Our History Matters.” 

Transcript:

Peter Noonan, FCCPS Superintendent:

In Falls Church City, we are committed to honoring and celebrating diverse cultures that make us unique and remarkable.  As we continue our journey towards equity, social justice, and anti-racism as a school division, we understand that history matters.  In support of Black History Month, we want to commemorate African Americans’ extraordinary contributions while also acknowledging current members of our school community by declaring “Our History Matters.” 

This shift in language is important because we need to be intentional in acknowledging that Black History is also American History, and all of it is Our History. Our History Matters will educate, celebrate, and unite our community through education, truth, understanding, compassion, and hope.

William Bates, FCCPS Chief Academic Officer:

We are excited to bring Our History Matters to Falls Church City. First, I would like to send a special thanks to Mr. Patrick Garland, a teacher at the high school, Elisabeth Snyder, our student school board member, The Social Justice Committee, and the Black Student Union at the high school for creating this program.

During the month of February, we will be providing various events that will be both inclusive and multicultural.  

Starting Tuesday, February 2nd daily trivia and little-known black history facts will be shared through the morning announcements and social media outlets.  

On Tuesday, February 16th, we will have a professional panel called “How I Made It.  The True Story Behind My Success.”  This will be a multicultural panel of leaders, school staff, and special guests who will share their personal leadership journeys. 

On Wednesday, February 24th, we will have a diverse student panel for our Middle and High School students who will discuss the topic of “Now That We Know, Where Do We Go?” 

And finally, on Friday, February 26th, Elisabeth Snyder, our student school board member, will emphasize the importance of equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in a video message. 

So stay tuned for all of the Our History Matters events this month and stay engaged because your voice is essential, and you make your school and our community a better place to be.